Lipidiset

Lipidiset is a term used in biochemistry to denote lipid-derived substances or lipid-related properties. In scientific usage, lipidiset encompasses a broad family of organic compounds that are largely hydrophobic or amphiphilic, soluble in nonpolar solvents and poorly soluble in water.

These molecules play essential roles in energy storage, membrane structure and signaling, and are found in virtually all organisms. They contribute to the formation of cellular membranes, provide insulation and protection in organisms, and act as precursors for a variety of signaling molecules.

Major classes include fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, glycolipids, sphingolipids and sterols. Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains; triglycerides are esters of glycerol with three fatty acids; phospholipids contain glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate-containing head group; sphingolipids use a sphingosine backbone; sterols such as cholesterol have a tetracyclic ring structure.

Biological roles include energy storage in adipose tissue, formation of cellular membranes with hydrophobic tails and polar head groups, and serving as precursors for signaling molecules such as eicosanoids and steroid hormones. Their properties influence membrane fluidity, permeability and protein function.

Metabolism involves synthesis through lipogenesis and remodeling, and breakdown by lipolysis and beta-oxidation, with transport in the bloodstream via lipoproteins. Analytical approaches, including lipidomics and mass spectrometry, aim to identify and quantify lipidiset components to understand metabolism, nutrition and disease, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

See also Lipids, Lipidomics.